Program Overview

Introduction to the Legal and Political Theory MA

The Legal and Political Theory MA is a high-level master's program that offers a distinctive mix of legal and political theory, allowing students to evaluate public life at domestic and international levels through a philosophical lens. This program provides advanced normative research skills, probing big questions around justice and liberty, and serves as a firm foundation for PhD research or work in policy, politics, and think tanks.

Program Overview

The program is best suited to students who wish to develop their analytical skills and understanding of the major issues in legal and political theory for further research or a career beyond academia in a related field. The MA provides an excellent foundation for further research in political theory at the doctoral level, as well as for a wide variety of careers related to the world of politics and policy.

Key Features

• Advanced analytical and transferable skills
• Exposure to cutting-edge scholarship
• Ability to engage in independent research
• Deep understanding of the normative aspects of major challenges facing the contemporary world

Entry Requirements

As a minimum, an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. Applicants should ideally have a background in Political Theory (e.g., Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, International Relations) or in other subjects with heavily weighted modules in related topics (e.g., moral philosophy, jurisprudence, intellectual history, or sociology).

English Language Requirements

The English language level for this course is Level 4. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL.

Course Structure

The program offers a rigorous and dynamic exploration of legal and political theory, combining core training with flexibility to tailor interests. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits, including three compulsory modules:

1. Meanings of Liberty: Applied Methods in Political Theory
2. Peer Assisted Learning Sessions
3. Dissertation - 10,000 words

Optional Modules

Students also choose two or three option modules that connect to the central themes of the degree and an additional elective module from the total list of options offered by the Department of Political Science or, with approval, offered elsewhere in UCL. Optional modules include:

• Social Justice, Social Mobility, Education, and the Family
• Jeremy Bentham and the Utilitarian Tradition
• Jurisprudence and Legal Theory
• The Theoretical Foundations of Human Rights
• Equality, Justice, and Difference
• Public Ethics
• Global Ethics
• Contemporary Political Philosophy I
• Contemporary Political Philosophy II

Teaching and Learning

Teaching typically takes the form of lectures and seminars, accompanied by a list of readings to deepen understanding of the ideas discussed. Every member of staff offers student support and feedback hours. Assessment methods include examinations, long essays, coursework, oral presentations, and a dissertation.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the program are as follows:

• UK students: Ł21,500 (full-time), Ł10,750 (part-time)
• International students: Ł35,400 (full-time), Ł17,700 (part-time)

Funding Opportunities

Past students on the program have been awarded prestigious scholarships such as AHRC and UCL graduate studentships. For a comprehensive list of funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to nationality, please refer to the Scholarships and Funding website.

Employability

Graduates of this program have an excellent record of employability in leading professions such as law, consultancy, politics, journalism, and academia. The MA provides an excellent foundation for further research in political theory at the doctoral level as well as for a wide variety of careers related to the world of politics and policy.

Networking Opportunities

As a student in the Department, you will have access to an impressive range of support, activities, and events that contribute to your experience, including student societies, exhibitions, lectures, and valuable training. The Department hosts an eclectic offer of events, ranging from 'Policy and Practice' seminars to Departmental Research Seminars (DRS). Students also organize an annual Legal and Political Theory Forum on a topic of their choice and invite a panel of speakers.